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D Minor 6th

Notes: D – F – A – B
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 6
Also written: Dm6, Dmin6Raise F to F♯ and it is D6; lower A to A♭ and it is Ddim7. D and B do not move.

The D Minor 6th chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F, A, and B.

D Minor 6th chord: D, F, A, B

It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth.

A minor triad plus the major 6th: bittersweet and noir-tinged, a jazz minor color.

Construction

D Minor 6th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = D, F, A, B
NoteIntervalDegree
DRoot1
FMinor 3rd♭3
APerfect 5th5
BMajor 6th6

How to Play the D Minor 6th

Right Hand (RH)

Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1 – 2 – 3 – 5

Left Hand (LH)

For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 3 – 2 – 1

D Minor 6th Inversions

  • Root position
    D – F – A – B
  • 1st inversion (Dm6/F)
    F – A – B – D
  • 2nd inversion (Dm6/A)
    A – B – D – F
  • 3rd inversion (Dm6/B)
    B – D – F – A

Same Notes, Other Names

The notes D – F – A – B aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:

D Minor 6th : Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D Minor 6th chord on piano?
The D Minor 6th chord contains the notes D – F – A – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D Minor 6th chord?
Dm6 contains: D, F, A, B. Minor triad with major sixth. Nearly all white keys.
How does Dm6 differ from Dm7?
Dm6 has B (major sixth). Dm7 has C (minor seventh).
How is Dm6 used?
Descending line: Dm → DmMaj7 → Dm7 → Dm6. Jazz tonic. Enharmonic of Bm7b5.
Is Dm6 the same as Bm7b5?
Same four notes, different root.
What songs use Minor 6th?
My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven.
How does Dm6 differ from D6?
Dm6 has minor third (F).

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